U.S. patent number 4,695,060 [Application Number 06/858,956] was granted by the patent office on 1987-09-22 for reversible archery target.
Invention is credited to J. Cole Pilgrim.
United States Patent |
4,695,060 |
Pilgrim |
September 22, 1987 |
Reversible archery target
Abstract
A reversible archery target has a central divider panel of heavy
utility grade polypropelyne which divides the interior of the
target into two partitions, each filled with cotton material. The
exterior covering of the target comprises two layers of light
utility grade polypropelyne, and an outer layer of heavy burlap
having various target shapes silkscreened on both exterior sides.
The target has a dual purpose carrying strap which can also be used
to hang the target in suspension. A spring steel stand supports the
target on the ground while being unseen and undisturbed from the
opposite side.
Inventors: |
Pilgrim; J. Cole (Kingwood,
TX) |
Family
ID: |
25329599 |
Appl.
No.: |
06/858,956 |
Filed: |
May 2, 1986 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/404;
273/407 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41J
3/0004 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F41J
3/00 (20060101); F41J 003/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;273/404,407,408,409 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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2932778 |
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Mar 1981 |
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DE |
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2560981 |
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Sep 1985 |
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FR |
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Other References
Archer's Bible, 1966-1967, p. 9, 3-1967, Shorty Stand. .
Bow & Arrow Hunting, 4-1986, pp. 64, 65, 68..
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Primary Examiner: Shapiro; Paul E.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Mosely; Neal J.
Claims
I claim:
1. An archery target comprising
a first layer of burlap,
a second layer of woven polypropelyne,
a third layer of woven polypropelyne,
a fourth layer of woven polypropelyne which is a centrally disposed
divider,
a fifth layer of woven polypropelyne,
a sixth layer of woven polypropelyne,
a seventh layer of burlap,
said third and fifth layers forming adjacent compartments at each
side of said fourth layer, and
a mass of fibrous material disposed in said compartments between
said third and fourth layer and said fourth and fifth layer,
said layers being stitched together about the margins thereof.
2. An archery target according to claim 1 including
a rectangular tongue member of woven polypropelyne interposed and
secured between said layers having one side extending outwardly
therefrom and having grommets secured near the corners thereof.
3. The archery target according to claim 2 including
a length of rope having each end inserted through the grommets of
said tongue member and knotted to form a dual purpose carrying
strap or handle for transporting or suspending said target.
4. An archery target according to claim 1 wherein
said target and said mass of fibrous material is compressed after
assembly to a predetermined thickness.
5. An archery target according to claim 1 wherein
the exterior surface of each said burlap layer displays a target
design.
6. An archery target according to claim 1 wherein
said mass of fibrous material comprises processed cotton.
7. An archery target according to claim 1 wherein
said second and sixth layer of woven polypropelyne comprises light
utility grade woven polypropelyne.
8. An archery target according to claim 1 wherein
said third and fifth layer of woven polypropelyne comprises light
utility grade woven polypropelyne.
9. An archery target according to claim 1 wherein
said fourth layer of woven polypropelyne forming a centrally
disposed divider comprises heavy utility grade woven
polypropelyne.
10. An archery target according to claim 1 wherein said mass of
fibrous material comprises processed cotton, and
said second and sixth layer of woven polypropelyne comprises light
utility grade woven polypropelyne.
11. An archery target according to claim 10 wherein
said fourth layer of woven polypropelyne forming a centrally
disposed divider comprises heavy utility grade woven
polypropelyne.
12. An archery target according to claim 11 wherein
said fourth layer of woven polypropelyne forming a centrally
disposed divider comprises heavy utility grade woven
polypropelyne.
13. An archery target according to claim 1 wherein
said mass of fibrous material comprises processed cotton, and
said third and fifth layer of woven polypropelyne comprises light
utility grade woven polypropelyne.
14. An archery target according to claim 1 wherein
said mass of fibrous material comprises processed cotton, and
said second, third, fifth, and sixth layer of woven polypropelyne
comprises light utility grade woven polypropelyne.
15. An archery target according to claim 14 wherein
said fourth layer of woven polypropelyne forming a centrally
disposed divider comprises heavy utility grade woven
polypropelyne.
16. An archery target according to claim 1 wherein
said mass of fibrous material comprises processed cotton,
said second, third, fifth, and sixth layer of woven polypropelyne
comprises light utility grade woven polypropelyne, and
said fourth layer of woven polypropelyne forming a centrally
disposed divider comprises heavy utility grade woven
polypropelyne.
17. The archery target according to claim 1 including
a generally square U-shaped support stand adapted at its upper ends
to be removably and pivotally attached to one side of said target
and its other end to rest on a generally flat surface for
supporting said target in a substantial vertical position, said
stand of a size to be unseen and undisturbed from the opposite
side.
18. The archery target according to claim 17 in which
said stand is constructed of a length of spring steel bent to form
a horizontal base portion and a pair of opposed sidebars extending
perpendicular thereto,
the upper ends of said sidebars bent inwardly parallel to the
horizontal base to form a pair of opposed short horizontal bars
terminating in sharpened points, and
said stand installed by pulling said sidebars apart and placing
them against the surface of one side of said target then releasing
them allowing the points to penetrate the target surface.
19. A method of manufacturing an archery target comprising the
steps of;
providing an assembly jig having a generally round flat
configuaration with a rectangular neck portion extending outwardly
on one end and a plurality of thin rodlike pointed projections
spaced about the periphery of the jig with the points facing
upwardly to removably receive and maintain layers of material in a
predetermined position on the jig,
precutting a plurality of sheets of material to a size slightly
larger than the periphery of the jig,
precutting a sheet of material to a rectangular shape and
installing grommets in two opposed corners thereof,
placing a first sheet of material on said jig in the approximate
center with the outer edges extending beyond the periphery of the
jig and said neck portion and pressing it down on the
projections,
placing a second and third sheet of material on said jig in the
approximate center overlaying said first sheet with the outer edges
extending beyond the diametric periphery of the jig excluding said
neck portion and pressing them down on the projections,
placing a fourth sheet of material on said jig in the approximate
center overlaying said third sheet with the outer edges extending
beyond the diametric periphery of the jig excluding said neck
portion and pressing it down on the projections,
placing the rectangular sheet of material in a position
diametrically opposed to the neck portion of said jig overlaying
said second, third, and fourth sheets with the grommeted edge
inward and the opposed edge extending beyond the periphery of the
jig,
placing a fifth sheet of material on said jig in the approximate
center overlaying said fourth sheet and the inward edge of the
rectangular sheet with the outer edges extending beyond the
diametric periphery of the jig excluding said neck portion and
pressing it down on the projections,
placing a sixth and seventh sheet of material on said jig in the
approximate center overlaying said fourth sheet with the outer
edges extending beyond the diametric periphery of the jig excluding
said neck portion and pressing them down on the projections,
cutting the edges of the overlayed sheets extending beyond the
periphery of said jig,
sewing the overlayed sheets together just inside the outer
periphery excluding said neck portion to form a generally bag-like
enclosure with an open neck for receiving a filler material,
removing the bag-like enclosure from the jig by lifting it from the
projections and turning the bag-like enclosure inside out, and
thereafter said first sheet becoming a central divider sheet
extending partially outwardly from the open neck and dividing the
bag-like enclosure into two compartments on each side thereof,
stuffing a predetermined volume of filler material into each
compartment of the bag-like enclosure,
compressing the stuffed bag-like enclosure to a predetermined
thickness and while under compression sewing the layers of material
at the open neck together to securely close the opening and
completely enclose the filler material within the bag-like
enclosure.
20. The method according to claim 19 comprising the further steps
of;
forming a shipping bag for the target after removing the bag-like
enclosure from said jig and prior to stuffing it with the filler
material by
placing an eighth and ninth sheet of material on said jig in the
approximate center with the outer edges extending beyond the
diametric periphery of the jig excluding said neck portion and
pressing them down on the projections,
cutting the edges of the overlayed sheets extending beyond the
periphery of said jig,
sewing the overlayed sheets together just inside the outer
periphery excluding said neck portion to form a shipping bag
enclosure with an open neck for receiving the previously formed
bag-like enclosure,
removing the shipping bag enclosure from the jig by lifting it from
the projections and turning it inside out,
inserting the previously formed bag-like enclosure inside the
shipping bag with both neck portions together, and
thereafter stuffing a predetermined volume of filler material into
each compartment of the bag-like enclosure,
compressing the stuffed bag-like enclosure and the surrounding
shipping bag to a predetermined thickness and while under
compression sewing the only the layers of material of the bag-like
enclosure at the open neck together to securely close the opening
and completely enclose the filler material within the bag-like
enclosure.
21. The method according to claim 19 comprising the further step
of
inserting and securing each end of a length of rope through the
grommets of the rectangular sheet of material to form a carrying
strap which may also be used to hang the target suspended from the
limbs of trees and the like.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to archery targets, and more
particularly to a reversible archery target having a central
divider panel of polypropelyne which divides the interior of the
target into two partitions, each filled with cotton material and an
exterior covering of two layers of polypropelyene with an outer
layer of heavy burlap having various target shapes on both exterior
sides.
2. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Reversible archery targets having a central divider are known in
the art. There are several patents which disclose various archery
targets with dividers.
Detwiler, U.S. Pat. No. 4,456,264 discloses a compound archery
target having a laminated mat or covering comprising an outer layer
of burlap, a second layer of burlap, a third layer of vinyl, and a
central baffle of fiberglass screen material. The target is filled
on each side of the central baffle with loose fiberglass or vinyl
scrap material.
Roloff et al, U.S. Pat. No. 3,476,390 discloses a non-piercing
archery target comprising a paper face cemented to a cardboard
backed up by a second cardboard which abuts a layer of foam rubber
which in turn abuts a sheet of rubber. A bag-like layer of burlap
covers the elements and its edges are secured between the two
cardboards.
Di Maggio, U.S. Pat. No. 3,367,660 discloses an archery target
comprising a laminated body of elastically adhesively bonded fibers
arranged in a plurality of layers. The layers are formed of a mass
of tristed vulcanized rubber created vegetable fibers. Each
adjacent layer is separated by a reinforcing screen mesh element
which is bonded to the surfaces. The screen mesh is formed of a
vulcanized latex coated woven fabric. Nylon fabric barrier sheets
are secured between the layers to trap arrows.
Canadian Pat. Nos. 706,287 and 1,022,343 disclose dart boards
formed of foamed material and having a wooden backing plate or
divider.
The present invention is distinguished over the prior art in
general, and these patents in particular by a reversible archery
target having a central divider panel of heavy utility grade
polypropelyne which divides the interior of the target into two
partitions, each filled with cotton material. The exterior covering
of the target comprises two layers of light utility grade
polypropelyne, and an outer layer of heavy burlap having various
target shapes silkscreened on both exterior sides. The target has a
dual purpose carrying strap which can also be used to hang the
target in suspension. A spring steel stand supports the target on
the ground while being unseen and undisturbed from the opposite
side.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an
archery target which is durable and will maintain its shape after
repeated usage.
It is another object of this invention to provide an archery target
constructed of materials having fibers which will separate upon
penetration to reduce tearing and cutting caused by the arrows.
Another object of this invention is to provide an archery target
which is exceedingly resistant to arrow impact, penetration, and
wear and allows easy removal of arrows.
Another object of this invention is to provide a reversible archery
target having a handle or carrying strap for portability and which
may also be used to hang the target in a suspended position.
Another object of this invention is to provide an archery target
which is convenient to set up and use.
A further object of this invention is to provide an archery target
having front and back sides whereby both sides of the target may be
used satisfactorily.
A still further object of this invention is to provide an archery
target which is attractive in appearance, and inexpensive to
manufacture.
Other objects of the invention will become apparent from time to
time throughout the specification and claims as hereinafter
related.
The above noted objects and other objects of the invention are
accomplished by a reversible archery target having a central
divider panel of polypropelyne which divides the interior of the
target into two partitions, each filled with cotton material and an
exterior covering of two layers of polypropelyne with an outer
layer of heavy burlap having various target shapes on both exterior
sides.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross section view of the archery target
in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an elevation view of one side of the target.
FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the other side of the target of FIG.
2.
FIG. 4 is an exploded isometric view of the target illustrating the
various layers arranged in accordance with the steps of
manufacture.
FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross section view of the archery target
in a semi-finished assembled condition.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to the drwings by numerals of reference, there is shown
in FIG. 1, a preferred archery target 10 having a central divider
11 of heavy utility grade woven polypropelyne such as #623 Bulk
Poly, which divides the interior of the target into two partitions
12 and 13. The partitions 12 and 13 are each filled with
approximately 9-10 pounds of cotton material 14 such as ginned
processed cotton.
The exterior mat or covering 15 of the target comprises two
intermediate layers 16 and 17 of light utility grade woven
polypropelyne, such as #610 Rice Poly, and an outer layer 18 of
heavy woven burlap, such as 10 ounce burlap fabric. As hereinafter
described, the target 10 is compressed to a thickness of
approximately four to five inches.
The exterior surface of the burlap 18 is silkscreened to display
various target shapes or designs. In the example illustrated, one
side of the target 10 is provided with the image of a portion of
the body of a white tailed deer 19 with a red "kill" zone 20
outlined at the heart-lung area. The reverse side of the target is
provided with a plurality of bullseyes 21 spaced about the target
surface. The spaced targets provide for longer target life by
preventing the arrow penetration area (area of most usage) from
being concentrated in a central location.
A rectangular tongue 22 of heavy utility grade woven polypropelyene
such as #623 Bulk Poly extends outwardly from the center of the
target at the top end and grommets 23 are installed in the corners.
Each end of a short length of polypropelyne rope is inserted
through the grommets 23 and knotted to form a dual purpose carrying
strap or handle 24 which can also be used to hang the target
suspended from the limbs of trees and the like.
As shown in FIG. 3, a generally U-shaped support stand 25 is
provided to support the target 10 on the ground of other flat
surface. The stand 25 is preferably constructed of a length of high
carbon load reinforcing steel having good spring retention
characteristics bent to form a horizontal base portion 26 and a
pair of opposed sidebars 27 extending perpendicular thereto. The
upper ends of the sidebars 27 are bent inwardly parallel to the
horizontal base to form a pair of opposed short horizontal bars 28
terminating in sharpened points 29. To install the stand 25, the
sidebars 27 are pulled apart and the points are placed against the
surface of one side of the target, then released allowing the
points 29 to penetrate the target covering. In this manner, the
stand is pivotally attached to one side of the target to support
the target in a substantial upright balanced position while being
unseen and undisturbed from the opposite side.
It should be understood that the target in accordance with the
present invention may be constructed in a variety of shapes,
including square and animal shapes, and carry various target
designs on the exterior surface.
The layered woven burlap and polypropelyne fabric material makes an
excellent covering for archery targets. The woven fabric allows the
weave to part as projectiles penetrate it, therefore reducing the
likelihood of tearing and cutting and extend the life of the
target. The polypropylene is also weather resistant protect the
cotton filler material and add to target life.
The cotton material is a natural buffer. The cotton fibers bond
together and "ball up" on the ends of pointed objects as they
attempt to penetrate. The frictional properties of the cotton
fibers against the shaft of the arrow as it penetrates effectively
grip the shaft of the arrow as it moves in allowing only
penetration of approximately 11/2-2 inches. The grip is relaxed
after the arrow has stopped and the arrow is easily pulled from the
material.
The target in accordance with the present invention is weather
resistant and very durable. The central divider 11 aids in
maintaining the shape of the target by providing two compartments
to prevent the cotton stuffing from collecting in one large area.
It also acts as a semi-flexible backstop or buffer to reinforce the
shock abosrbing characteristics of the cotton. The target will last
for thousands of shots and allows the archer to remove his arrows
easily with two fingers. The target can also be renewed by simply
removing the cotton filler from the old target and stuffing it
inside a new target covering.
Method of Manufacture
As shown in FIG. 4, the target 10 is assembled on a round table or
jig 30 constructed of 3/4" plywood having a 30" diameter with a
6".times.12" rectangular neck on one end (for the embodiment of
FIGS. 2 and 3). A plurality of nails surround the outer periphery
of the table or jig with the points facing upwardly to position the
burlap and polypropylene material as it is sewn. The material may
be precut into a square, rectangular, or semi-round shape before it
is placed over the nails and sewn.
A sheet of the heavy utility grade woven polypropelyne (#623 Bulk
Poly) material 11 cut to approximately 36".times.42" is placed on
the jig 30 in the approximate center allowing approximately a 3"
overhang around the outer edge and neck xx and it is pressed down
on the nails xx.
Two sheets 16 and 17 of light utility grade woven polypropelyne
(#610 Rice Poly) cut to approximately 36".times.36" are overlayed
over the first sheet 11 with the bottom approximately 2" to 3"
above the neck of the table or jig and pressed down over the
nails.
A sheet 18 of heavy woven burlap (10 ounce) burlap fabric cut to
approximately 36".times.36" is overlayed over the sheets 16 and 17
with the silkscreened design (deer body) facing up and pressed down
over the nails.
The rectangular tongue 22 of heavy utility grade woven
polypropelyne (#623 Bulk Poly) having the grommets 23 installed
previously is placed within the nail jig in diametrically opposed
position to the neck portion with the grommeted edge inward and the
opposed edge extending beyond the periphery of the jig.
A second sheet 18 of heavy woven (10 ounce) burlap fabric cut to
approximately 36".times.36" is overlayed over the previously
installed burlap sheet (deer body) and tongue 22 with the
silkscreened design (bullseyes) facing down and pressed down over
the nails.
A second pair of sheets 16 and 17 of light utility grade woven
polypropelyne (#610 Rice Poly) cut to approximately 36".times.36"
are overlayed over the burlap sheet 11 with the bottom
approximately 2" to 3" above the neck of the table or jig and
pressed down over the nails.
The edges of the layers are trimmed evenly around the outer edge of
the table with shears and the scraps are discarded.
The layers are then sewn together just inside the outer periphery
using a suitable heavy duty weather resistant thread such as Unisac
Synthetic. The neck portion is not sewn at this time to allow for
filling. It is preferred to sew the edges three times around for
strength and durability.
The target covering is removed from jig by lifting it up and is now
in the shape of a bag enclosure as shown in FIG. 5. The hand is
inserted into the bag grasping the grommeted edge of the tongue and
pulling the bag inside out.
To complete the bag-like covering, each end of a short length of
rope (preferably poly-propelyne) is inserted through the grommets
of the tongue and knotted to form a dual purpose carrying strap or
handle 24.
A shipping bag (not shown) for the target is formed in a similar
manner by placing two sheets of light utility grade woven
polypropelyne (#610 Rice Poly) cut to approximately 36".times.36"
are placed in the jig and pressed down over the nails, then the
edges are trimmed evenly around the outer edge of the table with
shears and the scraps are discarded. The two sheets are then sewn
together just inside the outer periphery using a suitable heavy
duty weather resistant thread such as Unisac Synthetic. The neck
portion is not sewn at this time. The shipping bag is removed from
jig by lifting it up. The hand is inserted into the bag grasping
the bottom seam and pulling the bag inside out.
After the shipping bag is formed, the competed target covering is
placed inside the shipping bag with both neck portions together. At
the neck portion, seven plys of the target covering are visible.
The center ply will be the central divider 11 of the heavy utility
grade woven polypropelyene (#623 Bulk Poly) material. Holding the
central divider, 9-10 pounds of cotton material is stuffed on each
side of it.
The stuffed target is then placed in a hydraulic press and
compressed to a thickness of 4"-5". While the target is under
compression, the plys at the neck of the target covering only (not
the shipping bag) is sewn closed making three passes using a
suitable heavy duty weather resistant thread such as Unisac
Synthetic. The completed target in the shipping bag is then removed
from the press. The target stand is inserted between the target and
the shipping bag to complete the package.
While this invention has been described fully and completely with
special emphasis upon a preferred embodiment, it should be
understood that within the scope of the appended claims the
invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described
herein.
* * * * *